KUCHING, Sept 21 — The Sarawak State Health Department (JKN Sarawak) has confirmed two new human rabies cases in the state, both of which resulted in death on Sept 19.
JKN Sarawak said the first case involved a 22-year-old woman from Petra Jaya, Kuching, who developed symptoms of fever, weakness, abdominal pain, hypersensitivity to sound and light, and difficulty swallowing on Sept 8.
“She was admitted to Sarawak General Hospital on Sept 14, 2025, and was confirmed to have died on the evening of Sept 19,” the department said in a statement today.
Investigations revealed that the patient had a history of being scratched by a stray cat in July 2025. She did not seek immediate medical treatment at any health facility after the incident.
The second case involved a 67-year-old housewife from Taman Desa Wira, Batu Kawa, Kuching. She began experiencing fever, malaise, loss of appetite, behavioural changes, walking difficulties, slurred speech, and trouble drinking water on Sept 13.
“She was admitted to Sarawak General Hospital on Sept 16, 2025, and confirmed to have died on the morning of Sept 19,” JKN Sarawak said.
Investigations showed the patient had been bitten by her pet dog on Aug 30. She had been rearing four unvaccinated dogs that roamed freely and mingled with stray animals. One of the dogs later showed symptoms of rabies and died, after which its carcass was discarded into a river.
“With these additional cases, the cumulative number of human rabies cases in Sarawak since the outbreak was declared in July 2017 stands at 87, with 80 deaths — a fatality rate of 92 per cent,” JKN Sarawak said.
The department extended its condolences to the victims’ families.
According to the statement, four human rabies cases have been reported so far in 2025, marking a decrease of two cases compared to the same period in 2024.
Between Jan 1 and Sept 13, 2025, Sarawak recorded 13,894 animal bite cases, averaging 375 cases weekly. Of these, 59.7 per cent involved cat bites or scratches (8,297 cases), 39 per cent involved dogs (5,422 cases), and 1.3 per cent (175 cases) involved other animals.
A total of 67.6 per cent of the cases involved pets, while 32.4 per cent involved strays.
The department reminded the public that rabies remains a serious threat in Sarawak and can be transmitted through bites or scratches, as well as exposure to the saliva of infected mammals, particularly dogs and cats.
It advised the public to avoid close contact with stray dogs and cats to reduce the risk of bites, scratches, or saliva exposure.
The department also urged anyone bitten or scratched to wash the wound immediately with running water and soap for at least 15 minutes before seeking medical attention at a Post-Bite Clinic.
Members of the public were further reminded not to handle carcasses of animals, especially strays, with unknown causes of death, but instead report the matter to the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) or local authorities.
The department emphasised the importance of ensuring that all pet dogs and cats receive complete annual anti-rabies vaccinations and are not allowed to roam unsupervised.
“JKN Sarawak calls on all parties to continue working together and playing their respective roles to ensure rabies prevention and control measures are effectively implemented,” the department added. — The Borneo Post
